Bold claim: a French game now sits atop the industry throne, redefining national pride and proving that a homegrown RPG can dominate the global stage. And this is the part most people miss... why Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is more than a game—it's a cultural milestone that sparked international chatter and even caught the attention of a national leader. Here’s a fresh, detailed take on what happened and why it matters.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, developed by Sandfall Interactive, delivered a record-breaking showing at The Game Awards 2025, securing nine wins—the most ever achieved by a single title at the event. Its triumph spanned categories including Game of the Year, Best Narrative, Best Music, and Best Performance, besting tough rivals such as Death Stranding 2, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Hades 2, and other notable contenders. If you missed the announcements, you can review the full winners list and the event’s highlights for context.
French President Emmanuel Macron celebrated the achievement on Instagram, calling Clair Obscur a historic victory for a French title and praising the Sandfall Interactive team from Montpellier. He posted alongside an image featuring key characters Gustave, Maelle, and Sciel, noting the pride this win brings to France and inviting future generations to follow in the team’s footsteps.
This isn’t the first time Macron has publicly backed Sandfall Interactive. When Expedition 33 sold a million copies in record time, he likewise shared celebratory remarks on social media, labeling the game a standout example of French audacity and creativity.
Reaction to Macron’s posts has been mixed. While many commenters joined in the celebration, others revisited his remarks from France’s 2023 riots, in which he suggested that violence linked to video games and social media could be fueling unrest. He later clarified his stance, stressing that he views video games as an opportunity for France’s youth and economy, while condemning violence associated with gaming culture and the ways it can be exploited by criminals. The nuanced message underscored the ongoing debate about how games are perceived in society and policy discussions.
During the Game of the Year ceremony, director Guillaume Broche of Sandfall Interactive thanked the studio’s dedicated team and acknowledged the broader, often underappreciated contributors to game development, including online tutorials and independent creators who help others learn the craft.
Clair Obscur had a dramatic launch period, debuting in April just as Bethesda released The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered. Both titles were day-one Game Pass releases, a circumstance that could have amplified competition. Instead, Clair Obscur captured substantial early momentum and would go on to sell about 5 million copies by October, underscoring its broad appeal and lasting interest.
IGN’s review of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 awarded it a 9/10, praising its homage-laden design, robust combat system, and gripping, harrowing story that cemented its place among the great RPGs.
Meanwhile, the Game of the Year win was accompanied by an unexpected shift in content: Sandfall released Patch 1.5.0 and new DLC, Verso’s Drafts, during the award ceremony, introducing fresh locales and more challenging boss encounters. For newcomers, guides and starter tips are available to ease the learning curve and help players get into the action.
Photo credits: Dimitar DILKOFF / AFP via Getty Images. Vikki Blake contributes as IGN’s reporter, critic, and columnist, with a long history of coverage across major gaming outlets. Her profile and work can be followed on various platforms.
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